12th 2nd Assigment

Chapter 2
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
What is global warming? What you can do to reduce it.
Global climate is dependent on the concentrations of greenhouse gases

present in earth’s atmosphere. Today human activities leading to release of
greenhouse gases are dramatically increasing. Vehicular and industrial
pollution are adding gases like Carbon
dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SOx), (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Some new manmade gases such as CFCs are also responsible for increase in
temperature. The gradual increase in the temperature of the earth atmosphere
is referred to as Global Warming.
Impact of Global warming
What will happen if the earth’s temperature rises by a small amount? Is it
something to worry about? Let us look at some of the impacts:
1. Temperature increase -
If input of greenhouse gases continues to rise at the present rate; earth’s mean
temperature will rise by 1.5-4.5°C by 2050. This would disrupt crop growth and cause
loss in agricultural production.
2. Rise in sea level
Over the last century, the global sea level has risen by 10-30 cm. due to melting of
glaciers. If this situation continues, this would submerge small islands. The republic of
Maldives is an example of a nation, which is very vulnerable to sea level rise. Delta
regions are also at high risk.
3. Agricultural production
Changes in weather pattern would have far reaching effects on agriculture. Some
places would get drier, some wetter, some get hotter and other cooler. This will affect the
crop production and yield.
4. Loss of ecosystem and biodiversity
Due to large scale felling of trees and high level of dryness, large forests may catch
fire. Indonesia and Brazil forests are the recent examples of forest fires. Large areas of
forests would disappear, so animal species would be forced to migrate.
5. Adverse effects on human health
Deaths due to heat waves and other extremes of climatic conditions, water and air
borne diseases like Malaria, Encephalitis and Dengue etc. would be more.
The main causes of global warming include:
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and
natural gas for energy and transportation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide
(CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. When forests are cut
down for timber or to clear land for agriculture, this carbon sink is reduced, and the
carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere.
3. Agriculture: Agricultural activities contribute to global warming through the

release of methane (CH4) from livestock digestion and manure management,
nitrous oxide (N2O) from fertilized soils, and CO2 from the use of fossil fuels in
farming equipment.
Explain the problems related to use of fossil fuels.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Global Warming: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are major greenhouse gases contributing to global
warming and climate change.
Air Pollution: Combustion of fossil fuels releases pollutants such as sulphur dioxide
(SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which contribute to smog and respiratory problems.
Acid Rain: SO2 and NOx can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric and nitric
acids, leading to acid rain that damages ecosystems, buildings, and water bodies.
Health Problems
Pollutants from fossil fuels can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis,
and lung cancer.
Use of fossil fuels for heating and cooking in poorly ventilated spaces can lead to
indoor air pollution, affecting human health.
Exposure to fine particulate matter and other pollutants is linked to an increased risk
of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Fossil fuels are finite resources. As reserves deplete, the cost of extraction increases,
leading to higher energy prices and potential economic instability.
Social and Political Problems: Dependence on fossil fuels can lead to geopolitical
tensions and conflicts over access to resources and control of supply routes.
Community Displacement: Large-scale extraction projects can lead to displacement of
communities and loss of livelihoods, particularly for indigenous populations.
1. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions leads to
more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and
heatwaves.
2. Sea Level Rise: Melting polar ice caps and thermal expansion of
seawater due to global warming cause sea levels to rise, threatening
coastal communities and ecosystems.
Biodiversity Loss Climate change affects habitats and food sources,

leading to a decline in biodiversity and increased risk of species
extinction.
3)Write down plastic recycling rules and e-waste recycling rules.
Plastic is among the most popular and important materials used in the modern
world. However, its popularity is part of the huge problem and reason why
plastics should be recycled. Instead of throwing them away and polluting the
terrestrial and aquatic environment, plastics can be recycled and reused. Plastic
recycling refers to the process of recovering plastic waste or scrap plastic and
reprocessing it into useful product.
E-waste, short for electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and
components that are no longer in use or are considered obsolete.

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Chapter 2

Global climate is dependent on the concentrations of greenhouse gases

3. Agriculture: Agricultural activities contribute to global warming through the

Explain the problems related to use of fossil fuels.

Biodiversity Loss Climate change affects habitats and food sources,

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